About the Course

In his first encyclical Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis draws our attention to the faith and devotion of Muslims: “It is admirable to see how Muslims both young and old, men and women, make time for daily prayer and faithfully take part in religious services. Many of them also have a deep conviction that their life, in its entirety, is from God and for God” (252).

As Islam grows in the West, Catholics have an opportunity to learn from their example. At the same time dialogue with Islam involves honest conversation about theological differences: the Qur’an and many Muslim scholars have criticized Christian teaching, especially on the Trinity, Christ’s divinity, and the Bible.

How can Christians make an account for the hope that is in them (1 Peter 3:15) in response to Islamic challenges?

In this team course, taught by one Muslim and two Catholic professors, we will explore the origins of Islam, its principal doctrines, and the history of Muslim Christian relations. Together we will contemplate the challenges and lessons of Muslim-Christian dialogue.

 

 week 1 (3/1) Gabriel: The Qur'an and the Bible 

week 2 (3/8) Mun'im: Muhammad and early Islam 

week 3 (3/15) Mun'im: Islamic law and theology 

week 4 (3/22) Rita: Muslim and Christian views of each other 

week 5 (3/29) Rita: Mary and Islam 

week 6 (4/5) Gabriel: God in Islam and Christianity